Language and Speech Development

Hi, I am a speech therapist who works with children. It sounds to me like your child is developing fine at this time. If she is using a few words that sounds age appropriate. Kids typically use a few words between 12-18 months and then begin producing approximately 20-50 words with meaning between 18-24 months. So I would suggest if you don't see an improvement in the next 3-6 months to consult a speech therapist for an evaluation. Hope this helps.

S.

Hi A.,
I wouldn't worry at this point. My son has two cousins that are very close in age to him. One seven months older, one six weeks younger. My son had the gift of gab very young but couldn't walk. Meanwhile, his cousins were running all over the place, climbing etc. However, they couldn't speak a word! Go figure! All children develop at their own pace. At some point, they all catch up to each other. I used to make self nuts with the development stages when my son was son. I was only torturing myself. If the doctor isn't concerned at this point, I wouldn't worry. Does your daughter understand the things you say to her? If so, she is more than likely just fine.
Have a good day,
C.

Well What would we do without our mom's? LOL

My daughter is now 4 yrs old and she started saying words such as daddy and mommy around 10 months or so....her vocab increased slowly until she hit about 2 and 1/2....then it seemed to start to take off. Now she's a chatter box:)

If your doctor thinks it's fine....then it is. Many babies have certain milestone delays because they are working on other skills like, walking, running, climbing, visual, etc...

it's nothing to worry about until your doctor says different.

However, if it is still a concern....take her in for a hearing test....it could be as simple as that

Good Luck,
R.

A., as long as your doctor is saying your child is doing fine, don't worry about it. You are correct in thinking that every child develops differently. I have seven and not one did everything like the others. While the speech is obviously an important aspect of her first years, as long as you are talking in normal adult language rather than baby talk and are reading to her, her language will develop just fine. You might supplement her language skills with simple sign language just to help her share her needs with you, but remember, when she goes to fill out her college applications, there is not a slot asking at what age she started talking so no need to worry now.

My 3 year old didn't say his first word until he was 19 months old and it was owl. I was worried but my ped said that a safe measure is if they aren't using a few words at two then we would have him evaluated. I am sure you have heard this before but all kids are different. Be sure you are reading a lot and talking to her.